ROME — Antonio Conte’s Napoli has maintained an impressive unbeaten streak since mid-August.
Now, the team faces its biggest challenge yet.
As the Serie A leader, Napoli will head to the San Siro two times within the next two weeks, facing off against AC Milan and Inter Milan, alongside matches against Atalanta and Roma in their upcoming four games.
The challenging series kicks off on Tuesday against Milan.
Should Napoli manage to secure its position or remain close to the lead after these four matches, the Partenopei would emerge as serious contenders for their second Italian title in three years.
This triumph would enhance the legacy of the two “scudetti” won during the Diego Maradona era in 1987 and 1990.
Recently, Napoli has recorded victories in eight of their last nine matches, with the only interruption being a goalless draw at Juventus in September.
They have not suffered a defeat since their Serie A opener, where they were bested by Hellas Verona on August 18.
“We have collected the necessary points,” Conte commented, “and it’s always tough to play at the San Siro, whether against Inter or Milan.”
Since that loss to Verona, Napoli has netted 16 goals while allowing just two.
However, they may face a challenge from Milan, who come into this match well-rested after their fixture on Saturday was postponed due to severe weather in Bologna.
Nonetheless, Milan will be missing two key players—Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders—due to suspensions.
“Milan is certainly a formidable team, and let’s not forget they finished 22 points ahead of Napoli last season and have invested heavily in the transfer market,” Conte noted.
Last season was tumultuous for Napoli, as they cycled through three different coaches after securing the Serie A title under Luciano Spalletti in 2023, ultimately finishing 10th and failing to qualify for European competition.
Conte, who inked a three-year contract in June, has quickly made an impression on the team.
“Antonio knows how to connect with the players,” said Ciro Ferrara, a former teammate turned analyst at DAZN. “He has a talent for drawing out their best performance.”
Conte’s managerial resume is impressive, having won three Serie A titles with Juventus, as well as the Premier League and an FA Cup with Chelsea, plus another Serie A title with Inter Milan.
He also led Bari to the Serie B title before his notable stint at Juventus.
A key contributor this season has been Romelu Lukaku, whom Conte persuaded to return to Naples after their success together at Inter, effectively stepping in for the departed Victor Osimhen.
Additionally, midfielder Scott McTominay, who signed in August after a long tenure at Manchester United, has also made an immediate impact, notably assisting a goal for Giovanni Di Lorenzo in a hard-fought 1-0 win against Lecce on Saturday.
New arrival David Neres has proven to be a significant asset as well, enhancing Napoli’s attacking options alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the wings.
At home, Napoli has enjoyed a perfect record at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, winning their first five home games—an achievement they have now accomplished for the third time, including previously during the Maradona era in 1989 and under Spalletti in 2021.
Yet, it is the two tough matches away at the San Siro that could further validate Napoli’s title ambitions.